Carrybridge RNLI Assists Four After Vessel Runs Aground on Lough Erne

Friday 17 July 2026

Carrybridge RNLI volunteers were tasked on Wednesday evening to assist four people after their vessel lost power and ran aground on Lough Erne.

Carrybridge RNLI were tasked to assist 4 people on a vessel which run aground. Photo: RNLI/Carrybridge

At 8.52pm on Wednesday 15 July, Carrybridge RNLI's inshore lifeboat, Douglas Euan & Kay Richards, was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard to assess a five-metre vessel with four people on board. The vessel had struck a submerged object approximately two miles north of Knockninny, leaving it without propulsion.

At the time of the incident, conditions on the lake were favourable, with south-westerly Force 3 winds, good visibility and clear skies.

The volunteer lifeboat crew quickly located the casualty vessel floating close to the reed bank and well clear of the main navigation channel. After coming alongside, they assessed the wellbeing of the four occupants, finding them all safe and well and wearing lifejackets.

A further inspection confirmed the vessel had suffered no water ingress and remained afloat in a safe condition. However, its propulsion system was inoperable following the impact.

Following an on-scene assessment, the RNLI crew determined that the safest option was to tow the vessel back to shore. With the casualty boat in a location that was difficult to access by land, daylight beginning to fade and the potential for other boat users to place themselves at risk by attempting a rescue, the decision was made to establish a stern tow.

With the owner's permission, Belfast Coastguard was informed before the tow commenced. Two of the casualties were transferred onto the RNLI lifeboat, while one crew member boarded the casualty vessel for the return journey.

The vessel was safely towed to the Carrybridge Public Jetty, where the casualties and their boat were handed over to the Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team, who secured the vessel. The RNLI volunteers then returned to station, where the lifeboat was refuelled, checked over and made ready for service once again.

Speaking after the call-out, Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Carrybridge RNLI, said:

"This has been a busy period for the volunteer crew, whilst the lake becomes very busy with people making the most of the exceptional good weather which we are encountering at present. Before setting out on your journey we would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vessel, make sure you have the relevant charts required before starting your journey, lifejackets for all on board and a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble. If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself the number to dial is 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."